Dentures and Partials – Hoover, AL
Flawlessly Restore All the Parts of Your Smile
Just because you’re missing some or all of your teeth doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to smile beautifully. Thanks to full and partial dentures in Hoover, there is a perfect solution to your tooth loss. These natural-looking restorations can replace anywhere from just a few teeth to an entire arch and restore your smile and biting power back to their former glory. Contact your trusted dentist in Hoover, Dr. Moulton, for a consultation to see if dentures are right for you.
Why Choose Moulton Dentistry of Hoover for Dentures?
- Extensive One-on-One Time from Dentist Dedicated to Patients
- Experienced and Accommodating Dentist and Team
- Natural-Looking Materials Used
What Are Full and Partial Dentures?
When you think of the word “dentures,” full dentures are probably what come to mind. These artificial teeth are placed in an acrylic restoration that looks like gum tissue and is designed to fit snugly over the gums. It replaces an entire arch of missing teeth at once, allowing you to enjoy speaking, eating, and smiling to the fullest once again.
Partial dentures in Hoover are a little different. They are used when you still have some of your natural teeth. They are composed of artificial teeth that are connected by a metal framework that goes behind the remaining natural teeth. More often than not, a partial denture is completely removable and can even look more natural than bridgework.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you’re missing all of your teeth, then you would be an excellent candidate for full dentures in Hoover. Whether you lost your teeth due to periodontal disease, malnutrition, or some other unfortunate circumstance, full dentures are here to help. They can instantly transform your smile from gummy to gorgeous.
If you’re only missing most or a few of your teeth, then partial dentures would be a better fit for you. They can help give you the appearance and function of a complete smile. However, if you’re only missing one or two teeth, you may want to consider another option, such as a bridge or dental implant.
How to Take Care of Dentures
When you think about cleaning dentures, you most likely picture them resting in a glass of water. This is a great way to keep them clean at night. Removing your dentures while you sleep also gives your gums a chance to rest after supporting the dentures all day. You can also soak them in denture cleanser, which you can find at pretty much any drugstore.
It’s also a good idea to remove your dentures after eating and run some lukewarm water over them to remove bits of food that could cause infection. Just make sure the water is not hot, as that could change the shape of the plastic. Also, brush your dentures every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to get rid of debris. However, don’t use toothpaste, as that could be abrasive.
What Are the Advantages of Implant-Retained Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures are full dentures that are held in place with dental implants. Because they are firmly rooted in your jaw, your dentures will not slip and slide around when trying to talk or eat, like traditional dentures might. They also keep your jawbone from deteriorating, since they replace not just the visible crowns, but the roots of your teeth as well. Your face will then stay looking young and vibrant, and you will feel confident in your ability to talk, eat, and smile with ease.
How Dentures are Made
If you’ve chosen to get dentures, perhaps you’d like to learn how they’re made. After all, details on the crafting process let you see what these prosthetics can do. To that end, we at Moulton Dentistry are here to help: below is a summary of what goes into dentures and the methods used to create them. By reading it over, you can better understand your future restorations. So, whether you need a partial, full, or implant denture, here’s how it all comes together.
What are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures are comprised of two primary parts: a base and a set of artificial teeth. Each has features necessary for treatment to succeed. As proof, consider the following descriptions:
- Denture Base – As a foundation, the base supports a denture’s artificial teeth. Labs often make one from various materials, ranging from acrylic and porcelain to even metal or nylon. The employed substances differ depending on the type of denture you get.
- Artificial Teeth – Per their name, artificial teeth are a denture’s tooth-replacing portions. They’re usually made of resin or porcelain so that they look (and feel) lifelike. That said, full dentures tend to include porcelain ones, as these can be abrasive on adjacent teeth.
The Denture Creation Process
Because dentures are custom-made for a patient’s mouth, creating them involves a multi-step process. In particular, it adheres to the methods below:
- Step 1: Your dentist will take a dental impression of your upper and lower gums. The resulting model will be sent to a lab to help create the dentures.
- Step 2: After being crafted, the lab will return the wax dentures to the dentist/prosthodontist for a fitting. Should the patient and dentist approve, the restorations will be sent to the lab for completion.
- Step 4: A technician will boil the dentures to remove their wax portions. They’ll then place the appliance in a flask to pour plaster. From there, the flask is placed in hot water to melt the dentures.
- Step 5: The lab worker will make holes in the artificial teeth so new material can attach to them. A liquid separator is also added to the plaster layer to prevent the acrylic from sticking. The same acrylic is then injected into the flask to replace the wax.
- Step 6: The worker will remove the plaster to reveal the prosthetics. Later, they’ll place the dentures in an ultrasonic bath to remove leftover plaster.
- Step 7: After cutting away excess acrylic, the technical will polish the restorations
- Step 8: The patient will return to the office for fitting and final adjustments.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
When you first get dentures, it’s normal to feel a certain amount of discomfort. This effect may result in mild soreness and difficulty with speaking and eating. However, you can rest assured that your mouth will adjust over time. In fact, the restorations will feel similar to natural teeth sooner than you’d think.
Still, there are ways you could speed up the adjustment. Some excellent methods include eating soft foods, exercising your face, and experimenting with adhesives. You should also note whether your aches or discomforts persist. In that case, contacting your dentist is best – the prosthetics may need further tuning.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
After learning about dentures, you’re probably more excited than ever to start rebuilding your smile. However, you may be wondering about the cost of dentures in Hoover before you decide to move forward with the process. During your consultation, our team at Moulton Dentistry of Hoover will conduct an oral examination and explain which factors will affect the final price. Following the appointment, you’ll have a better understanding of what you can expect to pay for your treatment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Multiple considerations can influence the price of dentures in Hoover, including:
- Any work needed beforehand like tooth extractions or periodontal therapy
- The number of teeth you’re missing
- The type of acrylic used for the base (part that is dyed to match color of gum tissue)
- The materials your denture will be made of (usually porcelain or acrylic)
Is cost a priority? If so, you may be tempted to opt for cheaper dentures. Even though the upfront cost is certainly lower, they tend to break easily and require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. That’s why quality should always be of utmost importance, regardless of the cost.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are generally more expensive than traditional ones. However, there’s a good explanation for that. They require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, making them more reliable for everyday use since they do not shift out of place. Many patients discover this method of tooth replacement is well worth the investment because of several tremendous benefits.
Not only do implants stimulate the jawbone, but they can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care and maintenance with help from your denture dentist in Hoover. That means you won’t have to worry about replacing your dentures nearly as often!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Dentures are considered a major procedure which is why most dental insurance plans will cover approximately 50 percent of their cost. Certainly, every policy is unique, meaning the amount of coverage provided will vary from patient to patient. If you have any questions about your plan, contact your insurance provider or ask our dental team for assistance. We will gladly review the details of your policy and do everything possible to maximize your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
We understand not everyone has dental insurance, which is why we offer other ways to make your dental bills much easier to manage. With CareCredit Financing, you can split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. Options even come with little-to-no interest!
We also offer an In-Office Dental Membership. Among many other benefits, you receive 20 percent off the price of procedures. Learn more when you give us a call!
Ready to begin down the path to a beautiful, complete smile? Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can answer any questions you might have.
Dentures FAQs
Are you ready to replace a row of missing pearly whites with an effective restoration? If so, then you can be sure to overcome tooth loss with dentures in Hoover. With this option, you can regain a fully functional and natural-looking smile again. However, you may still want to know more about what to expect before committing to this treatment. That’s why our team at Moulton Dentistry of Hoover is happy to gather and answer several of the most common questions we get about dentures. And if you don’t find the information you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our team today!
Am I Too Young to Get Dentures?
While dentures are popular among the older population, it doesn’t mean young people can’t benefit or receive this treatment as well. Severe tooth loss can occur at any point in time, either because of genetics, advanced periodontal disease, a serious injury, or some other serious condition. The good thing is that dentures are available for people who need replacements for missing teeth and have all of their permanent pearly whites. To be certain that this treatment is right for you, you’ll first need to undergo a consultation so our team can assess your situation and confirm that these restorations can best address your situation.
Is It Uncomfortable to Wear Dentures?
Your dentures will be designed to match your exact smile specifications, meaning they shouldn’t shift out of place and should feel as natural as possible. However, you might expect to go through an adjustment period, as you’ll need to learn how to eat and speak with your new teeth. It’s natural to feel awkwardness, mild soreness, and even gum irritation when first wearing them. These sensations can be easily handled with over-the-counter pain medication and a few adjustments in your diet for easier chewing. This process can usually take about a month before you become completely accustomed to using your new dentures!
Can I Sleep With My Dentures In?
You might be instructed to wear your dentures for most of your day, including while you sleep at night. This will allow you to get used to having them in your mouth. Over time, you’ll likely need to begin removing your restorations before bedtime and soaking them in a glass of water or cleaning solution overnight. Not only will this help keep them free of particles and bacteria, but this will also give your gums time to rest and allow for circulation, which is crucial for their health.
How Long Do I Have to Wait to Get Dentures After Having a Tooth Pulled?
To construct a denture that will fit your bite comfortably and precisely, we’ll need to take impressions of your smile and gums. During your recovery from tooth extraction, you may experience swelling in the surgical site. Taking impressions at this time won’t allow for accurate specifications, and you could end up with ill-fitting restorations. To avoid this, we’ll ask that you wait anywhere from two to six weeks after tooth extraction(s) for your gums to heal properly. Afterward, we can proceed with taking accurate impressions for properly fitted dentures.